Cape Town’s bid story

The City of Cape Town's successful bid for World Design Capital 2014 was coordinated by the Cape Town Partnership, in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders and supporters.

  • Published on 06 Mar 2013

Call for WDC 2014 submissions opens

Cape Town will be a focal point for the international design community in 2014, shining a global spotlight on the creativity of our city, country and continent. The first call for WDC 2014 was officially launched on 28 February 2013 at Design Indaba by Cape Town Executive Mayor, alderman Patricia de Lille. Successful projects will receive official WDC 2014 recognition, endorsement and promotion.

WHAT PROJECTS QUALIFY?

All and any, existing or conceptual, design-driven projects, products and ideas from across the African continent are eligible for submission. It's important to note that unfunded projects will need to raise their own sponsorships, since the WDC 2014 implementation company will focus on promoting and marketing projects but is not in a position to directly fund projects.

4 THEMES TO GUIDE SUBMISSIONS

Under the overarching WDC 2014 vision - LIVE DESIGN. TRANSFORM LIFE - four themes have been developed to bring focus and clarity to the submission process. The themes are also designed to spark the imagination, attract a wide range of submissions from all sectors, and to contribute towards a greater understanding of the multi-faceted nature of design.

Theme 1

AFRICAN INNOVATION. GLOBAL CONVERSATION.
African ideas that speak to the world. 

  • Any innovative, design-led project, policy, product or event that originated in Africa and that has global relevance. 
  • Unique solutions from a unique continent. 
  • African ideas that have been exported beyond the continent.

Theme 2

BRIDGING THE DIVIDE.
Design that reconnects our city and reconciles our communities. 

  • Projects that use design to bridge the historical divide between cultures and communities, across borders, between first and third worlds, north and south, town and township, advantaged and disadvantaged. 
  • Projects that use design as a tool for reconciliation. 
  • History and memory projects. 
  • Creative cross-sector partnerships. 
  • Collaborative projects that connect high and low tech, mass and bespoke, artisanal and technological, thinkers and makers.
  • Urban and peri-urban renewal projects.

Theme 3

TODAY FOR TOMORROW.
Sustainable solutions for people and planet. 

  • ‘Green’, ‘brown’ and ‘blue’ sustainability projects. 
  • Projects that focus on human development, skills training and entrepreneurship. 
  • Education and job creation initiatives. 
  • Legacy projects that will continue beyond 2014.

Theme 4

BEAUTIFUL SPACES. BEAUTIFUL THINGS.
Inspiring architecture, interiors, food, fashion, jewellery, craft, art and creativity. 

  • All the beautiful things from our beautiful continent.
  • Inspiring and original architecture, interiors, landscaping, food, furniture, fashion, jewellery, craft, art, publications, illustration, film, photography and more.
  • Beautiful items that are sold commercially. 

WHAT WILL SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS RECEIVE?

Official recognition as a WDC 2014 project will mean extensive marketing and promotion on a global stage. For instance: 

  • Inclusion in the official programme of events for the year 
  • Valuable exposure on all WDC 2014 communication channels 
  • Local and international visibility through integrated marketing efforts 
  • Access to key local and global players (including potential sponsors) 
  • Rights to use the official logo and branding in conjunction with approved marketing efforts in 2014.

SUBMITTING A PROJECT IS EASY

Choose the theme that best fits your design initiative and then submit a proposal online .

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

The first call for WDC 2014 submissions closes on Friday 5 April, 2013.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Go to www.wdccapetown2014.com official website of Cape Town Design NPC, the implementation Company of World Design Capital Cape Town 2014.

Fans and followers of the Cape Town 2014 bid social media platforms are encouraged to follow the WDC 2014 journey into the future by switching to the official WDC 2014 Facebook and Twitter pages:

Become a fan on Facebook

Follow on Twitter

Images: Design Idaba Expo attendees, including Cape Town's Executive Mayor, alderman Patricia de Lille, were invited to choose a theme and show their support by being photographed. You'll find more WDC 2014 fans on the official page.